Last Updated on April 13, 2023 by Mike Robinson
The fragile X syndrome (FXS) is one of the most common forms of hereditary intellectual disability (Glover Lopez, 2006).
At the genetic level, it is a pathology linked to the X chromosome, which is why it is more frequently affected by the male sex. Specifically, Fragile X syndrome is due to a mutation of the FMR1 gene (Robles-Bello and Sánchez-Teruel, 2013).
At a clinical level, the most characteristic finding of fragile X syndrome is the presence of variable or moderate intellectual disability or retardation (Molina, Pié Juste and Ramos Fuentes, 2010).
Accompanied, in addition, the development of some characteristic physical signs, such as elongated face, large external auditory pavilions or strabismus, among others (del Barrio del Campo, Zubizarreta and Buesas Casaus, 2016).
Common Symptoms
In addition, as part of its clinical course, it is possible to observe other types of alterations related to musculoskeletal, neurological, cognitive and behavioral manifestations (del Barrio del Campo, Zubizarreta and Buesas Casaus, 2016).
In terms of diagnosis, it is usually performed based on clinical findings (physical and neurological examination) together with the presence of a family history compatible with the condition of fragile X syndrome or a positive genetic study (Robles-Bello and Sánchez-Teruel, 2013 ).
Currently, as in other diseases of genetic origin, a cure has not yet been identified. Although the therapeutic measures are oriented to the treatment and compensation of the underlying deficits, there are some experimental approaches based on protein compensation.
Characteristics of fragile X syndrome
Fragile X syndrome is a genetic pathology that produces a wide variety of medical and cognitive complications, including mental retardation , learning disabilities, characteristic physical phenotype, etc. (Genetics Home Reference, 2016).
The first descriptions of the traits related to this syndrome go back to 1943, in the clinical reports of Martín and Bell. In them, there were 11 cases within the same family, all characterized by the presence of mental retardation and some abnormal physical features. In this way, an inheritance linked to the X chromosome was suggested (Glover López, 2006).
In its initial moments, this medical condition was baptized with the name of Martin-Bell syndrome, in honor of its authors (Martin and Bell, 1943, Glover López, 2006).
It was not until 1969, when Lubs showed the real existence of a significant correlation between the clinical characteristics of this pathology and a genetic alteration associated with a “fragility” of the X chromosome, in the location q27.3 (Ferrando-Lucas, Banús Gómez y López Pérez, 2003).
In addition, in 1991, Verker and his team managed to identify the specific genetic defect underlying the alteration of the X chromosome, consisting of a mutation of the FMR1 gene (Ferrando-Lucas, Banús Gómez and López Pérez, 2003).
On the other hand, in 1993 the molecular pattern of this pathology, an alteration of the FMRP protein encoded by the FMR1 gene, was precisely identified. Specifically, its scarce production and / or absence leads to the development of the clinical picture characteristic of the fragile X syndrome (del Barrio del Campo, Zubizarreta and Buesas Casaus, 2016).
Thus, the alterations related to this genetic pattern are associated with a serious multisystem affectation, in a large part of the affected people.
Although mental retardation is one of the cardinal clinical findings in fragile X syndrome, its clinical course is associated with a wide variety of medical conditions, so functional independence and quality of life of these people is usually found seriously deteriorated.
However, the life expectancy of people suffering from fragile X syndrome is usually not different from that of the general population, as they do not develop life-threatening medical problems or complications (National Fragile X Foundation, 2016).
Statistics
Fragile X syndrome is considered one of the most common disorders of mental retardation of genetic origin (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 2013), placing the second after Down syndrome.
Although this pathology can affect both sexes, as a consequence of its genetic pattern, it is much more prevalent in men than in women (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015).
Although the number of people suffering from this disease is not known, different studies and institutions estimate that around 1 male child per 5,000 births suffer from the fragile X syndrome (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015).
On the other hand, regarding the prevalence in females, it is estimated that, for every 4,000 births, a case of fragile X syndrome can be observed in women (Seltzed et al., 2012).
In addition, a prevalence of this pathology associated with specific geographic regions or specific racial and / or ethnic groups has not been identified (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2013).
Signs and symptoms
Fragile X syndrome is a pathology that causes signs and symptoms associated with different areas (National Institute for Rare Disorders, 2010, Ribate Molina, Pié Juste, Ramos source, 2010, del Barrio del Campo, Zubizarreta and Buesas Casaus, 2016):
Physical manifestations
Although the physical features are not specific and / or exclusive of this syndrome, we will now describe some of the most common findings in individuals suffering from fragile X syndrome:
– Skull-facial malformations: one of the most common signs in fragile X syndrome are facial dysmorphisms. We can see an elongated and narrow face, with a broad forehead, large external auditory pavilions, prominent chin and thick lips with the lower inverted.
– Musculoskeletal disorders: the development of a weak muscle tone or hypotonia, the abnormal increase in joint mobility (joint hypermobility), flat feet or, the presence of an extremely thin cutaneous tissue, are some characteristic features of the X syndrome. fragile.
– Ophthalmological alterations: in the case of manifestations related to the eyes and visual capacity, strabismus or misalignment of the eyeballs are usually the most frequent findings.
– Cardiac alterations: in most of the cases, individuals develop alterations related to aortic dilatation and prolapse of the cardiac mitral valve.
– Endocrine alterations: in affected individuals it is possible to observe the development of an early or early puberty that, in males, is characterized by the presence of a significant increase in the size of the testes (macroorchidism) and in women, by the presence of Ovarian failure and / or early menopause.
Cognitive manifestations
– Intellectual Disability: the most characteristic feature of fragile X syndrome is intellectual disability. However, all individuals do not present the same degree of affectation. Generally, those affected by men have moderate intellectual retardation, while in women it is mild.
– Generalized delay in learning: people who suffer from fragile X have a level and rhythm of learning development lower than expected for their chronological age, mainly due to the presence of other cognitive manifestations.
– Language disorders: in this area, the most striking is the delay in language acquisition. In addition, once acquired, several deficits appear related to expressive language, the turn of speech or contextual language. Thus, it is possible to observe an absence of social interaction or use of language in certain situations or contexts.
– Alteration of sensory integration: some of the affected people usually show a marked difficulty to execute activities and tasks related to discrimination and sensory integration. Thus, the ability to organize sensations, coordinate them, modulate them or discriminate them is often affected.
– Attention disorders: it is possible to observe attentional deficits related to the maintenance or alternation of this, in addition it is usually associated with the presence of hyperactivity, so it is not unusual to find parallel diagnosis cases of fragile X syndrome and Deficit Disorder of Attention and Hyperactivity (ADHD).
Psych0m0tor manifestations
– Generalized delay in motor development: the presence of musculoskeletal alterations, such as laxity or muscular hypotonia from the early stages of life, makes it difficult to acquire all or a large part of the skills related to motor activity.
– Delay in the acquisition of sitting and walking: the ability to remain seated independently and independently does not usually develop until approximately 10 months, while the ability to walk and the ability to walk does not develop before 20 months
– Fine motor impairment: poor control of the musculature of the upper and lower limbs, especially in the hands, usually appears , due to which the manipulation of objects is usually inadequate or deficient.
Behavioral manifestations
– Deficient social interaction: it tends to avoid social interaction, present difficulties in maintaining eye contact or communicative protocols. In addition, they often use inappropriate language behaviors, such as raising the tone, perseverance or usurpation of the word shift.
– Deficient self-regulation: many situations can trigger episodes of anxiety or nervousness, so they usually need to follow routines.
– Defense behaviors: tactile defense is significantly frequent in people suffering from fragile X. Specifically, they avoid physical contact or feel uncomfortable around other people.
Causes
This pathology is a medical condition associated with an alteration of the X chromosome (Genetics Home Reference, 2016).
Chromosomes carry the genetic information of each person and are located in the nucleus of the body’s cells. Thus, humans have 46 chromosomes, organized at structural level in 23 pairs. In addition, within these, we have two chromosomes that will define our sexual traits .
Specifically, the pair of male sex chromosomes is formed by an X and Y chromosome, while the pair of female sex chromosomes consists of two X chromosomes.
The combination and division of all this genetic material will determine our physical, cognitive and sexual characteristics. However, if during the embryonic development phase there is a failure in the cell division that affects part or all of an X chromosome, the fragile X syndrome may appear .
In this pathology, we have identified, therefore, a narrowing of the most distal part or end of the X chromosome, in the Xq27.3 area (Ribate Molina, Pié Juste, Ramos Fuentes, 2010).
In addition, within each chromosome there may be an infinity of genes. Thus, in the case of fragile X syndrome, its clinical pattern is associated with a mutation of the FMR1 gene (Genetics Home Reference, 2016).
This FMR1 gene is responsible for providing the biochemical instructions essential for the production of a protein called FMRP. Among other functions, this protein is mainly responsible for the production of other components that play an essential role in the development of connections or synapses, between specialized nerve cells (Genetics Home Reference, 2016).
In this way, the absence or deficiency of the levels of this protein can alter the basic functions of the nervous system and, therefore, lead to the development of the characteristic clinical spectrum in fragile X syndrome (Genetics Home Reference, 2016).
In addition, cases of fragile X syndrome have also been identified in which there is a permutation, that is, the genetic alteration is not complete, so many of them present a normal intellectual level expected for their age (Genetics Home Reference, 2016 ).
Diagnosis
The diagnostic suspicion of Fragile X syndrome begins with the observation of some of the distinctive physical features, however, when there is a family history compatible with this pathology, it is possible to make the diagnosis before birth.
As fragile X syndrome has a genetic nature, the use of some prenatal tests such as amniocentesis or sampling of chorionic villi, enable the identification of the FMR1 mutation (Child Health and Human Development, 2013).
However, the most common is to observe the sinuses after birth and therefore, the diagnosis is made during the infant stage.
Normally, a physical and neurological examination is carried out, accompanied by a genetic study to determine the nature of the clinical characteristics (Child Health and Human Development, 2013).
Treatment
The classic therapeutic approaches in fragile X syndrome are constituted, fundamentally, by medical attention, special education , cognitive stimulation, logopedic therapy or behavioral modification programs and psychological care.
Although there is no cure for fragile X syndrome, numerous medical approaches have been designed to treat the symptoms and medical complications derived from this pathology.
Also Read: The Role of Dopamine in Love
In addition, different clinical trials related to protein therapies are currently underway , that is, the pharmacological supplement of FMRP.
